Why use a REALTOR®?

A REALTOR ®'s Commitment to High Standards of Professional Conduct Works to the Advantage of Buyers and Sellers Alike.

Why use a REALTOR®?

The internet has ushered in an age of readily accessible information and with dozens of discount self-serve brokerages popping up each day, you can easily be swayed into thinking handling the sale of real estate is a simple affair. BUT, remember its been proved that up to 80% of all For Sale By Owners eventually turn to the services of a real estate professional. And with good reason.

Licensed REALTOR®'s are professionally educated, and fully trained to guide you through the sales process with the least amount of risk possible. They are monitored and guided by their brokers and governed by real estate law. They are sworn to uphold to a strict code of ethics and have access to vast array of resources, including their strong network of real-estate-related professionals with whom they have worked with personally, often for decades. Successful transactions and happy clients are key to their livelihood and reputation. It is their business to know exactly what's going on in their market, as well as in their community.

In our small communities, our RE/MAX REALTOR®'s have frequently been in the business long enough to have been involved in the sales process of the same home more than once - they can anticipate issues with underground oil tanks, previously problematic roofing, zoning issues, flood zones and other un-disclosed situations which may affect the true value of your property. They have a database of experienced professionals to offer solutions that they have personally worked with in the past and have networks of affiliates to facilitate the sales process.

When Buying Your Property, a Realtor® Will Help You With the Following:

Maximizing your Purchasing Power:
Your RE/MAX REALTOR® will help you get the best possible property for your budget, notifying you of the newest well-priced properties on the market so that you don't miss out on a great opportunity. They can put you in contact with the best lenders, who are up-to-date with the latest financing options and programs. They will also help you understand and be aware of the hidden costs associated with purchasing.

Home Search Resources:
REALTOR®'s are the first to hear about properties as they come onto the market. Additionally, sometimes the perfect property for you is available but not actively advertised in the market. REALTOR®'s have extensive networks of resources and knowledge that will assist you in finding the best property on the market. A real estate agent's business is to know what's going on in the market, have the network, resources and insider knowledge to assist you in finding the best property for you.

Objective Information:
REALTOR®'s will provide you with valuable community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. They will help you determine whether the property will provide the right environment you want as a home or investment and will advise you on its resale value when you are ready to sell in the future. REALTOR®'s understand the history of the property and the neighbourhood and can give you an honest assessment of what's going on in the market and how this will affect your property as an investment. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for pests, mould, structural deficiencies, roof condition, septic or oil tanks and well tests, just to name a few. Your RE/MAX REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. They will also assist you regarding the title of the property, which is the document indicates ownership of property, financial liens, legal issues, and details rights of access/easements. This knowledge can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

Negotiating Skills:
Every deal requires patient and precise negotiating on such important factors as price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

Contract Knowledge:
It is crucial to have a full understanding of the contract that you are entering into! Your RE/MAX REALTOR® will explain the details, wording and meaning of these legal documents, and keep you aware of the deadlines, deposits, paperwork, etc. involved in the Contract of Purchase and Sale. They will make sure that your needs are protected, both now and in the future, and ensure that you get what you are paying for. Above all, your RE/MAX REALTOR® will guide you through the entire purchasing and closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

When Selling Your Property, a REALTOR® Will Help You With the Following:

Market Evaluation:
Your RE/MAX REALTOR®'s business is to know what's going on in the real estate market in your neighbourhood, and will provide you with accurate and up-to-date information on pricing and market activity, including details on the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

Advertising:
Your RE/MAX REALTOR® has the right tools and know-how to get the word out to other real estate agents and to qualified buyers. Often, your RE/MAX REALTOR® will help you with staging your property so that it shows in the best possible light. They can also recommend repairs or cosmetic work that may increase your property's selling price and saleability. Your agent can take advantage of the Multiple Listing Service, as well as their own websites and buyer networks. Your RE/MAX REALTOR® can host open houses for other REALTOR®'s and homebuyers, and will assist in coordinating appointments to show your home to pre-screened, qualified buyers and accompany prospects through your home to point out the properties strengths, answer questions and to ensure the security of your home.

Contract Negotiation:
Your RE/MAX REALTOR® will objectively evaluate every buyer's offer without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing --a lot of possible pitfalls. Your RE/MAX REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process and protect you in the long run.

Closing Process:
Between the initial offer and the final closing (or settlement), questions and issues may arise. For example, unexpected repairs, financing snags or an issue in the title is discovered. The necessary paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your RE/MAX REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to completion.

Don't Be Fooled By Low Fees:
REALTOR®'s and their related Brokers charge various fees for services. Some Companies will claim to offer the same services as their competitor for a lower fee. Make sure before you list with any company that you get a written marketing plan that details all of the services provided. The more exposure your property receives the more likely you are to achieve a higher selling price.

Can You Do It by Yourself?

Although it is true that a few people have been able to stick a For Sale sign on their lawn and sell it themselves in a reasonable amount of time, the level of effort, expense and hassle often isn't broadcast. For both buyers and sellers, stop and think about how much you trust the honesty, abilities and legal knowledge of the layperson with whom you are about to enter into one of the most important transactions of your life. As with any profession if you decide to take on the role yourself, you must fully comprehend the potential legal and financial risks, as well as weigh up the potential savings against the extra work and time.